Choosing Wisely:

Don’t routinely screen for brain aneurysms in asymptomatic patients without a family or personal history of brain aneurysms, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or genetic disorders that may predispose to aneurysm formation.

Family history of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage increases an individual’s risk of harboring an aneurysm. Screening patients without a family history or without a personal history of subarachnoid hemorrhage is not indicated.

Sponsoring Organizations:

American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Sources:

American Heart Association guidelines

Disciplines:

Neurologic

References:

• Bederson JB, et al. Recommendations for the management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a statement for healthcare professionals from the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association. Circulation 2000, 102 (18): 2300–8.